General Asylum: REVIEW: Meadowlark Audio Swift Speakers by Mladen

Model:	Swift
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$1000
Description:	2 way transmision line floorstanding
Manufacturer URL:	Meadowlark Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by Mladen ( A ) on September 30, 2005 at 19:55:21
IP Address: 24.57.128.251

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for the Swift

Ebony color ones from the 'closeout' sale.

What can i say about these speakers. I was initially disappointed with the sound.. I was expecting more. The best qualities of these speakers are the way the design looks, nice and elegant and modern. That was the one thing i was not disappointed with. As far as sound quality goes, i wouldn't rate any single particular aspect of the sound as good or bad, if i had to pick one i would say the bass is lacking. But their sound at best can be describes as 'balanced' over the spectrum with pretty good pace and decent tranparency with the right recordings. Tubes will give them that extra bit of refined crunch and body during beats, distorted guitars, etc... which sounds nice. Even though the bass is lacking in extension, i have to say whats there is quite tuneful and if you can get used to it can be quite pleasant in the long run. These are a casual speaker for the listener who likes quiet, relaxed listening. They are not a 'performance' loudspeaker, but rather a thoughtful one which will add elegant character and warmth to your surroundings and present your music in a non obtrusive way.

A Word on the Bass

the gist of all the people and reviews seem to say that the bass is 'great' on this speaker. As far a bass goes it is very dependant on the recordings. Some recording will sound surprisingly full bassed through these speakers, while other ones you will be asking what happened to the bass??? So keep that in mind, DONT expect Jurrasic Park

Product Weakness: no spectacular characteristics that really stand out at you.. bass could go lower..
Product Strengths: small, great looks, balanced, focused, not bad space portrayal. A no fuss speaker

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	vintage pilotone 6L6 tube mono's 15w/ch
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Antique S.L. OTL32
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	cambridge audio
Speakers:	Swifts
Cables/Interconnects:	nothing special
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Everything
Room Size (LxWxH):	MED x x
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 months
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	no spectacular characteristics that really stand out at you.. bass could go lower..
Product Strengths:	small, great looks, balanced, focused, not bad space portrayal. A no fuss speaker